PUSHKAR FAIR SPECIAL

14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS

DAY 01 : DELHI

Arrival at Delhi airport. You will be welcomed at the IGI airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car/coach. Quickly fulfill the formalities of arrival and check–in at the hotel (at 1200 hours) and start your exploration of India with a city tour of Old Delhi.Our first pitstop is Jama Masjid, built in 1650, it is one of the largest mosques in Asia. Enjoy rickshaw ride in the narrow lanes and alleys of the ancient bazaar of ChandniChowk. Visit the majestic Red Fort, a huge complex built of red sandstone, the capital of Mughal Empire in India for two centuries. Lets not call it a day yet as we continue our drive to Raj Ghat and pay homage to Mahatama Gandhi, the father of our nation. This completes the visit to Old Delhi and begins our tour of New Delhi. On your way to QutubMinar, you drive past the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb. QutubMinar is one of the tallest towers of the 12th century built in Persian architecture style. Before returning to hotel we take a bus tour of the India Gate, Parliament Buildings and President House and finally returns to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 02 : DELHI – AGRA (200 KM, 4/5 HOURS)

In the morning, depart for Agra, once Capital of Mughal Empire. After reaching Agra, we visit Sikandra, the tomb of great Akbar. This is made of red sandstone with fine inlay work of marble. After visit of Sikandra, check–in at the hotel. Later we continue tour of Agra visiting Agra Fort which had been the seat of power of the Mughal dynasty for many centuries. The huge awe–inspiring facades of the fort are a symbol of strength, power and resilience of the might empire. The view of Taj Mahal from the fort is also unforgettable. Now it is time to visit one of the Ancient Seven Wonders of the World, “Taj Mahal.” It is a mausoleum built by Shah Jahan for his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. It took no less than 22 years to build this architectural wonder and was finally completed in the year 1653. The interiors of Taj Mahal are adorned with highest quality inlay work incorporating semi–precious stones. Taj Mahal is undoubtedly a treat to your eyes and spectacle to watch. After city tour of Agra, return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 03 : AGRA – FATEHPUR SIKRI – ABHANER – JAIPUR (265 KM, 6 HOURS)

After breakfast, get ready to depart for Jaipur. Stop en–route and visit FatehpurSikri, the best preserved Mughal Palace city in India which was built by Akbar in 16th century. He used the best craftsmen in the country to build the city but unfortunately had to abandon it a few years later after the water system failed. Continue drive towards Jaipur and next stop is Abhaneri village where you will visit Chand Baori, an ancient hidden stepwell. The step wells are unique in this part of the world and were used for storage of water by rainwater harvesting. They also served as pools for ritual cleansing before entering a temple. After visit of Chand Baori, proceed to Jaipur and check–in at the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 04 : JAIPUR

In the morning, we go for excursion to Amer Fort which is perched on a hill. The architecture of the fort is a unique blend of Rajput and Hindu style. Amer is the former citadel of Kachwahas of Amer who had ruled the city. It is a thrilling climb to the fort as its done sitting on an elephant’s back. The Fort is known for cobblestoned pathways with enormous fortification. There are beautiful buildings inside the fort including Sheesh Mahal (palace of glass), Jai Mandir and SukhNiwas.
Afternoon tour of majestic Jaipur city with a visit to the City Palace, the former royal residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. Even today, the royal family abides in a part of the palace that is cordoned off for the visitors. It is quite different from other Rajput palaces and forts as apart from the Rajput architecture you can also observe smithereens of Mughal architecture. Not far away from the city palace is JantarMantarwhich possesses various astrological instruments that have impressed astronomers all over the world. Here you will see the largest sundial in the world and one of the best preserved observatories. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 05 : JAIPUR – AJMER – PUSHKAR (150 KM, 3 HOURS)

In the morning, we leave for Pushkar to witness one of the most exciting camel fair there. En–route stop at Ajmer to visit ‘Dagah–E–Sharif’which is one of the holiest pilgrim place for Muslims all over the world. After visit of Dargah, it will take a short drive to reach Pushkar. Arrival and check–in at Luxury camp or in a hotel. During Pushkar Fair or Pushkar Mela as called in local language offers one of India’s most unique experiences for travellers as it attracts thousands of camels, horses and cattle, besides a big number of tourists. Villagers from all over Rajasthan come here to trade their camels and other animals. It is also time for thousands of Pilgrims to take a dip in the holy lake of Pushkar. Overnight stay.

DAY 06 : PUSHKAR

Full day is dedicated for visit of the Fair. There are different events held on each day and depending on which day of the Fair you are there, you will enjoy these activities. The sound of bells making heart pleasing jingles, beautifully decked up camels with their owners sitting on their backs has become the most fascinating norm at this stunning cultural fiesta. Silver bells and bangles around camle’s hoofs jingle when they walk past the golden sand dunes. One of the most interesting features of the Fair is a unique competition. Beautifully decked up camels parade while competing in a beauty contest and the best bedecked camel wins the prize. In another competition, a number of people are made to sit on the camel’s back. The camel lopes across the sand amidst cheers and jeers from thousands of spectators and throws its riders off its back. The camel which accommodates maximum number of people on its back, wins the competition.
During the event, the area is divided into three parts for cultural programmes, cattle trading and putting up a temporary market, locally known as Haat which comprises of a number of temporary shops selling different types of wares, handicrafts, food items, kitchen grocery, jewellery items for cattle, ranging from saddles, saddle–straps, beads, strings and cowries, to items specifically exhibited for the human folks. Visitors can bargain for silver ornaments and bead necklaces from Nagaur, patchwork, printed textiles as well as the famous tie ‘n’ dye fabrics from Ajmer which are a major attraction. The fair is also famous for the various kind of body tattoos.

DAY 07 : PUSHKAR

Today again you will have full day at disposal to enjoy the Fair. Overnight stay.

DAY 08 : PUSHKAR – CHITTAURGARH – UDAIPUR(330 KM, 6 HOURS)

We leave Pushkar to go to Udaipur. But, before reaching there, we will stop at Chittaurgarh whichis India’s most noteworthy medieval fort built in the seventh century. Situated on a great height, Chittaurgarh sprawls remarkably over the nearby towns. Chittaur fell twice in the sixteenth century, first to the strengths of Sultan of Gujrat and later to the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Surrendered by its rulers who later settled for another capital at Udaipur, resulted in the ruins of Chittaur’s apartments and palaces. Little has survived the assaults of the armed forces and of time, but there still is enough to give a sneak peak into the history at what probably has been one of Rajputana’s most prominent fortifications. Continue drive to Udaipur and after arrival check–in at the hotel.Udaipur is also known as Venice of the city and City of lakes. You can take a walking tour along Lake Pichola in the evening. Overnight stay.

DAY 09 : UDAIPUR

We shall start our tour of Udaipur city in the morning with visit ofCity Palacewhich took three centuries to complete the construction incorporating brilliant ideas of architecture. The Palace is a big complex of joining buildings. The rooms feature typical Rajput architecture with decorated mirrors, glassware and magnificent frescoes. There is also a Museum which displays how Udaipur city was founded by Raja Uday Singh and later developed by other Maharajas in form of paintings. We shall next visitJagdish templewhich is adjacent to City and a steep staircase takes us there. The entrance of the temple is greeted by two elephants. The stone art work and intricate carving on the walls is remarkable. We shall now drive toSaheliyon Ki Bari Gardenswhich is the most beautiful garden in the city. It was built for princess and her forty eight maids who has come to Udaipur along with her as part of her dowry. The wonderful lay out of the garden is a treat to your eyes.In the afternoon we shall go for an excursion to Eklingi and Nagda.Eklingji is a very famous and sacred Hindu Temple. It was constructed in 9th century by Guhila dynasty of Mewar. The finalvisit of the day isNagda, which was founded by Nagaditya, the fourth Mewar King, in the 6th century. Nagda is famous for 10th century Sas–Bahu Temple to hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 10 : UDAIPUR – RANKPUR – JODHPUR (280 KM, 6 HOURS)

In the morning, we shall leave for Jodhpur and en–route stop to visit Ranakpur.The Jain temples at Ranakpur are dedicated to Adinath, the first tirthankara of Jains. The temples are very sacred and must visit for followers of Jain religion. But it is not only religious significance but the temples are also known for intricate carving on stone. The most interesting feature is that there are no less than 1400 pillars in the temple and none of the pillars is similar to each other as these are all carved in a different pattern. The domes of the temple are also richly decorated. We now continue our drive to Jodhpur. The city is also known as gateway to Thar desert and the blue city as most of the houses in the old Jodhpur are painted in blue color. This crowded desert city flutters with beauty, warmth and romance. A visit to Jodhpur is a romantic journey into the past with forts, palaces, temples, culture, tradition, spices, fabric, color, and flourishing handicrafts. Arrive at Jodhpur and check–in at hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 11 : JODHPUR – JAISALMER (310 KM, 6 HOURS)

Morning, we go for city tour of Jodhpur. The city is also known as the blue city as most of the houses are painted in blue. We first visit Mehrangarh Fort which stands a hundred feet above a cliff and dominates skyline of Jodhpur. It is made of red sand stone and looks invincible and impressive. The Palaces within the fort are known for intricate carvings and courtyards. There is a good collection of musical instruments, royal costumes, royal palanquins, and cannons. We also visit JaswantThada which is beautifully set against the hilly background and glistening lake. After visit of Jodhpur, we leave for Jaisalmer. Popularly known as the Golden city, Jaisalmer was founded by Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king. The golden city is scattered over the desert land of Rajasthan and is a combination of ancient and the medieval era architecture. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 : JAISALMER

After breakfast, we explore golden city and start with our visit to Jaisalmer Fort which is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan. The fort is made of yellow sandstone and it is a massive structure in the desert town. The architecture of fort is an amalgamation of Rajput and Islamic style. This is undoubtedly a breath–taking sight to watch as it appears to rise from the arid sands of Thar. The fort is actually still alive with people still abiding within its walls.The fort complex consists of a palace and numerous beautiful Jain temples. Nearby is Patwonki Haveli, one of the largest havelis in Rajasthan. It is a group of five small havelis with beautiful intricate carvings on the windows. Even today, you can sense the old world charm and royalty of these havelis. We will also visit Nathmalki Haveli which gives visitors a glimpse of Marwari community lifestyle. The carvings on the walls are a visual treat to the eyes. Later in the afternoon, get ready for an excursion to the sand dunes, few kilometre away from Jaisalmer City. Enjoy the sun set across the horizons of never ending sand dunes on the back of a camel in the desert. It is now time to return to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 13 : JAISALMER – BIKANER(330 KM, 6 HOURS)

We leave for the eloquent desert city of Bikaner in the morning. It dwells on the ancient caravan routes that originated from Africa and West Asia. The city was founded by Rao Bikaji and renowned for sculptured temples and wonderful palaces in red and yellow sand stones. Arrive Bikaner and check–in at hotel.Afternoon, we go for city tour of Bikaner by first visiting Junagadh Fort which was constructed in 1556 AD by Raja Rai Singh. The major attraction lies in its arcades, Darbar halls, royal rooms, and Jarokhas or screen windows. The fort is surrounded by almost one kilometre long wall which has 37 bastions. If time permits, you can also visit Camel breeding farm or Karni Mata Temple at Deshnok, the Temple of rats. Overnight stay.

DAY 14 : BIKANER – MANDAWA (200 KM, 4 HOURS)

We leave from Bikaner in the morning to reach Mandawa, founded in the mid 18th century, the town was established by rich Marwari merchants. This place has been referred to as the “open art gallery” because it is not only Mandawa but the entire Shekhawati region which is full of fascinating mansions known as havelis in local language which have beautiful intricate frescos painted walls. Afternoon is dedicated to appreciate few of these havelis. Overnight stay.

DAY 15 : MANDAWA – DELHI (270 KM, 6 HOURS)

After breakfast, it is time to return to Delhi. You will have car/coach at your disposal with driver to explore Delhi on your own or last minute shopping before returning home. In time transfer to Delhi airport to catch your flight to next destination.

General Enquiry

Clients Comments

PATRIZIA RAVANELLI

Dear Mamlesh, I wish to let you know that our trip has been perfect also thanks to your help and good organization. Hotels were fine and according to our needs. With regards to the driver Kadir what say ? He has been the best we could expect: efficient, polite, good driver, a friendly and cooperative person. Pls be so kind to inform about our comments his Company. Such a best person deserves to be rewarder. Thanks a lot again and be sure that we will contact you for any other future trip in India .
Best regards.

PATRIZIA RAVANELLI02 May 2016

Alan Parr

Hello Rishi, It is easier for me to write a few comments here. My daughter and I were very happy with the tour, and appreciated very much the work of Naresh, who did his very best to continually adapt to our wishes, to warn us of any potential difficulties with people on the way, and to give us information about the places we were visiting or passing. We had a fabulous week. I already knew that India was a wonderful country with wonderful people, but for my daughter it was something of a revelation. Many thanks to all of you for your contributions. I'd be very happy to come back and work out another package with your company. Do you operate further South in India?
Best wishes,

Alan Parr18 April 2016

Franco Groppetti

Dear Miss Rinki, after we made the journey in India with State Express, I feel compelled to express my satisfaction for the transport service and for hotels, all of good quality, although in some of those we have not had the best rooms available ( but this was not a problem).. We also liked the way you drive the car by the driver Omkar and I want to send a special thanks to the driver who took us around Delhi on March 20 (if I remember correctly is nammedSonu or Sonil). He was very kind and attentive and stayed on the platform in the night, to make sure that all was well until the train left to Khajuraho. In the probability of still use the services of the State Express, may be in the next November, I send best regards to you and to Mr. Chandra. P.S. I greet also Mamlesh that received us at the airport and that I already had met on previous trips taround your country.

Franco Groppetti10 April 2016

Mariangela Matarozzo

Dear Mr. Sanjeev, i would like to express all my satisfaction for travelling with your organizazion. Every things was well done. the driver a great human person. Thanks so much again and hope to be soon in the Incredibile India!
Yours,

Mariangela Matarozzo05 April 2016

Barrie Allbert

Hello Harish, Thank you for your e-mail . I confirm that e received your envelope from the reception Staff at the Holiday Inn. Once again ,we would like to thank you personally and the staff of State Express ( and particularly our driver , Mr Singh ) for the most excellent and helpful service you all provided for our holiday in India. We are now back in UK ,watching snow falling ( ! ) and thinking of you country.
Best Regards

Barrie Allbert28 March 2016

Lorella Dalforno and Giovanni Iapicca

Dear Mr Sanjev, dear friends, sorry for my delay, but since I returned back home, I had lot of work in my hospital. I want to greet you and to thank you very much for the beautiful tour we made In Rajasthan. We all have enjoyed it and everything was Ok. We have also liked very much our guide Lele, who was a very good Italian speaking guide, and a special person, always so kind and sweet with us. Of course also the driver and the other helping man were fantastic. So really thank you very much... And may be in the future we will meet again for a new tour.

Lorella and Giovanni27 March 2016

Ian

Rinki Many thanks for your services whilst we were here on holiday. Papu was a very safe and courteous driver and deserves praise for his kindness and sense of humour. I don't know if you have an employee of the month scheme, but if you do I would highly recommend him for it. Please say Hi to him
Yours sincerely

Ian16 March 2016

Esther, Don and family

Good morning Harish, I want to thank you for your help and let you know that we had a successful visit to India in January. The transportation and drivers that you arranged for us were excellent. Your suggestion to use the larger vehicle was also a very good idea, which we discovered in Aurangabad when we used a smaller van. It was okay, but was quite cramped, and we and had to tie all of our luggage on the roof.
Best wishes,

Esther, Don and family04 March 2016

Massimo

Dear Sanjeev, Ireturned toPerugiaand todayI'mmore restedand I canwrite to youand get youthe reportof our trip toIndia. My clients loved the itinerary, the hotels and the organization and especially the assistance of State Express. The driver and guide were always available, attent and punctual and frienly. Customers have appreciated your warm welcome in Delhi and the gifts before our return to Italy. Iam very satisfiedand I thank youfor everything andthankHarishfor his work. I hope tohavethe opportunity to work yet with youin the future. Greetings

Massimo02 March 2016

Leon

Dear Rinki, We were back to Beijing yesterday. Thank you so much again for every arrangement! The Holy sites, the Ganga River, the TajMahal, the cities and Indian people are so fascinating! I wish I could have the chance to show you around Beijing some day. Please do let me know if you come to my city in the future. Enclosed is the picture of us with Rinku. Would you sent to him when you have time? I have asked the driver Binod (mobile +91 95 82 830808) to pass over the pen to you. Keep in touch! Very much appreciated!
Best regards,

Leon15 February 2016

M. Amir

Dear Rinky, My feedback/testimonial is as follows:-
In lieu of our recent trip to India, I personally feel that the transportation provided by your company (State Express) was one of the highlight of the trip. The bus provided was in good condition, spacious and very comfortable even for my sister who have spinal problem. As agreed, all state taxes, fuel, parking and highway charges have been included in the very affordable package.
My special thanks to:
1) Ms.Rinky - who have promptly and professionally replied to all my queries and also managed the trip.
2) Mr. Shiv Singh - who was a superb, safe and trustworthy bus driver. He was able to converse in considerably very good English. He also showed his concern when one of us was not well and gave us good advices when we were in an unfamiliar places.
3) Mr.Mahavir (Bhola) - Helper and Driver Assistant who is as superb, trustworthy and concerned as Mr. Shiv Singh. Always kept a smiling face and never let us handle our luggage, he will do all the hardwork for us.
I would vouch anyone who is considering taking transportation service from this company.
Thank you.

HEAD OFFICE

State Express

Clients Comments

PATRIZIA RAVANELLI

Dear Mamlesh, I wish to let you know that our trip has been perfect also thanks to your help and good organization. Hotels were fine and according to our needs. With regards to the driver Kadir what say ? He has been the best we could expect: efficient, polite, good driver, a friendly and cooperative person. Pls be so kind to inform about our comments his Company. Such a best person deserves to be rewarder. Thanks a lot again and be sure that we will contact you for any other future trip in India .
Best regards.

PATRIZIA RAVANELLI02 May 2016

Alan Parr

Hello Rishi, It is easier for me to write a few comments here. My daughter and I were very happy with the tour, and appreciated very much the work of Naresh, who did his very best to continually adapt to our wishes, to warn us of any potential difficulties with people on the way, and to give us information about the places we were visiting or passing. We had a fabulous week. I already knew that India was a wonderful country with wonderful people, but for my daughter it was something of a revelation. Many thanks to all of you for your contributions. I'd be very happy to come back and work out another package with your company. Do you operate further South in India?
Best wishes,

Alan Parr18 April 2016

Franco Groppetti

Dear Miss Rinki, after we made the journey in India with State Express, I feel compelled to express my satisfaction for the transport service and for hotels, all of good quality, although in some of those we have not had the best rooms available ( but this was not a problem).. We also liked the way you drive the car by the driver Omkar and I want to send a special thanks to the driver who took us around Delhi on March 20 (if I remember correctly is nammedSonu or Sonil). He was very kind and attentive and stayed on the platform in the night, to make sure that all was well until the train left to Khajuraho. In the probability of still use the services of the State Express, may be in the next November, I send best regards to you and to Mr. Chandra. P.S. I greet also Mamlesh that received us at the airport and that I already had met on previous trips taround your country.

Franco Groppetti10 April 2016

Mariangela Matarozzo

Dear Mr. Sanjeev, i would like to express all my satisfaction for travelling with your organizazion. Every things was well done. the driver a great human person. Thanks so much again and hope to be soon in the Incredibile India!
Yours,

Mariangela Matarozzo05 April 2016

Barrie Allbert

Hello Harish, Thank you for your e-mail . I confirm that e received your envelope from the reception Staff at the Holiday Inn. Once again ,we would like to thank you personally and the staff of State Express ( and particularly our driver , Mr Singh ) for the most excellent and helpful service you all provided for our holiday in India. We are now back in UK ,watching snow falling ( ! ) and thinking of you country.
Best Regards

Barrie Allbert28 March 2016

Lorella Dalforno and Giovanni Iapicca

Dear Mr Sanjev, dear friends, sorry for my delay, but since I returned back home, I had lot of work in my hospital. I want to greet you and to thank you very much for the beautiful tour we made In Rajasthan. We all have enjoyed it and everything was Ok. We have also liked very much our guide Lele, who was a very good Italian speaking guide, and a special person, always so kind and sweet with us. Of course also the driver and the other helping man were fantastic. So really thank you very much... And may be in the future we will meet again for a new tour.

Lorella and Giovanni27 March 2016

Ian

Rinki Many thanks for your services whilst we were here on holiday. Papu was a very safe and courteous driver and deserves praise for his kindness and sense of humour. I don't know if you have an employee of the month scheme, but if you do I would highly recommend him for it. Please say Hi to him
Yours sincerely

Ian16 March 2016

Esther, Don and family

Good morning Harish, I want to thank you for your help and let you know that we had a successful visit to India in January. The transportation and drivers that you arranged for us were excellent. Your suggestion to use the larger vehicle was also a very good idea, which we discovered in Aurangabad when we used a smaller van. It was okay, but was quite cramped, and we and had to tie all of our luggage on the roof.
Best wishes,

Esther, Don and family04 March 2016

Massimo

Dear Sanjeev, Ireturned toPerugiaand todayI'mmore restedand I canwrite to youand get youthe reportof our trip toIndia. My clients loved the itinerary, the hotels and the organization and especially the assistance of State Express. The driver and guide were always available, attent and punctual and frienly. Customers have appreciated your warm welcome in Delhi and the gifts before our return to Italy. Iam very satisfiedand I thank youfor everything andthankHarishfor his work. I hope tohavethe opportunity to work yet with youin the future. Greetings

Massimo02 March 2016

Leon

Dear Rinki, We were back to Beijing yesterday. Thank you so much again for every arrangement! The Holy sites, the Ganga River, the TajMahal, the cities and Indian people are so fascinating! I wish I could have the chance to show you around Beijing some day. Please do let me know if you come to my city in the future. Enclosed is the picture of us with Rinku. Would you sent to him when you have time? I have asked the driver Binod (mobile +91 95 82 830808) to pass over the pen to you. Keep in touch! Very much appreciated!
Best regards,

Leon15 February 2016

M. Amir

Dear Rinky, My feedback/testimonial is as follows:-
In lieu of our recent trip to India, I personally feel that the transportation provided by your company (State Express) was one of the highlight of the trip. The bus provided was in good condition, spacious and very comfortable even for my sister who have spinal problem. As agreed, all state taxes, fuel, parking and highway charges have been included in the very affordable package.
My special thanks to:
1) Ms.Rinky - who have promptly and professionally replied to all my queries and also managed the trip.
2) Mr. Shiv Singh - who was a superb, safe and trustworthy bus driver. He was able to converse in considerably very good English. He also showed his concern when one of us was not well and gave us good advices when we were in an unfamiliar places.
3) Mr.Mahavir (Bhola) - Helper and Driver Assistant who is as superb, trustworthy and concerned as Mr. Shiv Singh. Always kept a smiling face and never let us handle our luggage, he will do all the hardwork for us.
I would vouch anyone who is considering taking transportation service from this company.
Thank you.